The Emir of Nasarawa and former Minister of Environment, Ibrahim Jibril, has stressed the urgent need for collective action to address the challenges of climate change in Nigeria.
The Emir who stated this at a seminar in Abuja organised by Development Agenda and the Environment Media Correspondent Association of Nigeria, EMCAN, said that Nigeria is faced with global environmental issues , such as land encroachment, oil pollution, deforestation, desert encroachment, and flooding.
“This is a wakeup call for all governments, stakeholders to get involved, saying the seminar was very important to provide an opportunity for introspection with regard to response to the problem of climate change.”
The Emir added that the rising sea level at the coastal areas, climate change, deforestation, drought, and desertification are some of the environmental challenges wrecking Nigeria.
The Publisher Development Agenda Magazine, Mr Paddy Ezeala explained that the forum was meant for stocktaking on the state of environment and evaluates various climate issues confronting the country.
“In Southern Nigeria, it is as if war has been declared on the natural environment, not even protected areas are spared. Massive and uncontrolled logging has been taking place in many states. The level of illegal logging in Cross River, Edo, Ogun, and some states in North Central is disturbing.”
According to Ezeala, “Forests perform a broad range of critical environmental and climatic functions, including the maintenance of constant supply of water. Forests harbour species and at the same time have very deep economic, aesthetic, industrial, and religious significance for humans.”
He also noted that there is a need to harness the potential of the forests towards the development of eco-tourism and scientific research rather than the continued illegal logging and wildlife trafficking.
Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment Mr Terseer Ugbor, however, called for the development of local strategies on climate change adaption.
Ugbor said everyone needs to look inward and adopt things that could help us to take action.
“on our own before we think of attracting international support, We need to look inward and develop local adaptation strategies; every one of us should take a stand and make efforts personally so that in our own little way we contribute to climate change.” He said.
Ugbor, who said that Nigeria has several laws on climate change, emphasised that with the establishment of Nigeria Climate Council, there is hope for a climate change adaptation in the country.
The theme of the conference is “Climate Change and COP28: The Way Forward for Nigeria.”
The 28th Conference of the Parties, COP28, is scheduled to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from Nov. 30 to Dec.12.
Shakirat Sadiq
